Pennsylvania Bills Address Trucking Credentials and Vehicle Insurance
A pair of bills under consideration in Pennsylvania aim to streamline processes for the trucking industry, focusing on driver credentials and vehicle insurance verification. These measures are designed to reduce administrative burdens and leverage modern technology to improve efficiency.
Simplifying IFTA Compliance
Current Pennsylvania law requires most tractor-trailers operating in the state to display International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) decals on both sides of the cab. Drivers are also responsible for carrying either an IFTA license or a road tax registration card, or a legible copy of either. These credentials are currently obtainable through the state Department of Revenue at four physical locations.
Representative Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, has highlighted the current setup as a potential source of delays for trucking operations. “A sometimes lengthy and burdensome task … can result in delays when trying to move goods throughout the state,” he stated. He pointed out the existing infrastructure of online messenger services as a potential solution.
House Bill 2430, currently awaiting consideration on the House floor, proposes allowing these online messenger services to process IFTA applications, issue the necessary decals and licenses, and manage the related fees. Neilson believes this change will help truck fleets to “operate smoothly and without delay or worry of being out of compliance.”
The bill, which previously received unanimous approval from the House Transportation Committee, would need to pass the full House before advancing to the Senate. Neilson emphasized the importance of supporting the trucking industry, stating, “Every Pennsylvanian relies on timely service provided by truck drivers… (This bill will) make sure that commerce in our state remains reliable by providing truck drivers with the benefit of increased convenience.”
Modernizing Vehicle Insurance Verification
The House Transportation Committee is also considering a bill related to vehicle insurance verification. Currently, insurers must notify the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) when a policy is canceled within six months of its issue. However, there’s no corresponding requirement to notify PennDOT when a new policy is initiated. As a result, PennDOT often sends written notices to vehicle owners who have changed insurance providers, requiring proof of coverage to avoid registration suspensions.
Representative Kerry Benninghoff expressed concerns about the current process, noting that notices are often misplaced or not received, potentially leading to registration suspensions even when coverage is continuous. “It is all too common for constituents to never receive or misplace these notices from PennDOT for a multitude of reasons, which can lead to canceled registrations when no lapse occurred,” Benninghoff said in a memo to House members.
He argued that technological advancements over the past two decades necessitate a more efficient verification system. “It is time to bring PennDOT into the 21st century,” he added.
House Bill 2416 aims to address this by requiring PennDOT to establish an online system for verifying vehicle insurance coverage. This initiative would reduce reliance on the mail system and offer a more streamlined approach to ensuring compliance.
